ACDA Podcast

ACDA Podcast — September 2026Social media has become an increasingly important part of the choral profession—but what are we gaining, what are we losing, and how can we use it well?This month, Steve sits down with composer and publisher Jocelyn Hagen, Choralosophy host Chris Munce, Choral Clarity founder Adam Paltrowitz, and short-form choral media creator Chris Maunu for a wide-ranging conversation about social media and choral music. They discuss professional development, finding repertoire, building relationships, self-promotion, the all-powerful algorithm, online community, and the tension between creating meaningful content and simply creating content that performs well.For this month’s R&R Quick Pick, Jocelyn Hagen introduces “Look at the Stars” from The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci, featured on her new album Here I Am. The piece, performed by True Concord Voices and Orchestra under the direction of Eric Holtan, combines choral music with multimedia elements inspired by Leonardo’s curiosity and creativity.And in this month’s “Did You Know?” segment, Steve highlights opportunities for the 2027 National Conference in Minneapolis, including the National Honor Choirs, National Vocal Jazz Honor Choir, the first National Show Choir Honor Choir, the Student Conducting Masterclass, and the Research Poster Session. He also shares information about ACDA’s new 2027 Tenor-Bass Choirs Commission Consortium.Plus, a few updates from ACDA and a reminder to subscribe, follow, and join the conversation.🎧 Stay ConnectedSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts, including ApplePodcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.Have feedback, future guest ideas, or your own answer to Why We Sing? Email [email protected] the ACDA Podcast Listeners Facebook group tocontinue the conversation.Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠Website: https://acda.org Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA website: https://acda.orgChoral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalRepertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/R&R Quick Pick: Look at the Stars, by JocelynHagen; https://jocelynhagen.com/catalog/the-notebooks-of-leonardo-da-vinci/Apply for honor choir, conducting masterclass, orposter sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conferenceTenor-Bass Choirs Commission Consortium: https://acda.org/repertoire/mens-ttbb-choirsPanel Guests:Jocelyn Hagen: https://jocelynhagen.com/Chris Munce: https://choralosophy.com/Adam Paltrowitz: https://www.choralclarity.com/

ACDA Podcast – August 2026As summer winds down and a new school year begins, Steve Danielson looks ahead to exciting developments in ACDA and the choral world. This month, Steve reflects on the growing conversation around AI, creativity, and choral music, sharing his own experience and inviting listeners to consider what technology means for the future of musical creativity.Steve talks with Luke Warren and Tori Brindis about ACDA’s first-ever National Show Choir Honor Choir, coming to the 2027 National Conference in Minneapolis. They discuss the evolution of show choir, the musical and artistic goals of the new ensemble, student auditions, and the collaboration between conductor and choreographer.Garrett Breeze introduces My Time, an energetic show choir opener co-composed by Breeze and Kaz Brindis.Steve shares updates on the 2027 National Conference, including honor choir auditions, the Student Conducting Masterclass, a new research poster session, a study examining treble choirs and student belonging, and ACDA’s new Tenor-based Choirs Commission Consortium.What do you think about AI and creativity in choral music? Share your thoughts with Steve at [email protected] or on social media.Stay ConnectedSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts, including ApplePodcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.Have feedback, future guest ideas, or your own answer to WhyWe Sing? Email [email protected] the ACDA Podcast Listeners Facebook group tocontinue the conversation.Follow the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠Website: https://acda.org Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login  LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA website: https://acda.orgChoral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalRepertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/R&R Quick Pick: My Time, by Garrett Breezeand Cazz Brindis; https://breezetunes.com/product/my-time/International Journal of Research and Choral SingingCase Study: https://acda.org/archives/7881Apply for honor choir, conducting masterclass, orposter sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conferenceTenor-Bass Choirs Commission Consortium: https://acda.org/repertoire/mens-ttbb-choirs

Summer may be a quieter season for many choirs, but the joy of singing doesn't take a vacation! In this episode, Steve continues the Why We Sing series by exploring what it means to remain a singer throughout life—from high school graduation to community ensembles and beyond. Along the way, you'll hear practical ideas for keeping singers engaged, recommendations for outstanding repertoire, and the latest ACDA news and opportunities.This month's Why We Sing conversations focus on a simple but profound idea: singing isn't just something we do in school—it can become a lifelong part of who we are.Steve is joined by Philip Brown, ACDA National R&R Chair for Senior High Choirs, to discuss how choir directors can cultivate lifelong singers before students ever graduate.Their conversation explores:Why students need to see singing as a lifelong activity—not just a school classThe growing popularity of pop-up choirs and flexible community singing experiencesHow directors can prepare students to continue singing after high schoolWhy removing barriers to participation mattersPractical ways schools can partner with community ensemblesPhilip's own answer to the question: Why do we sing?Steve also speaks with Matt Hill, ACDA National R&R Chair for Community Choirs, about the unique role community ensembles play in helping adults continue making music throughout every stage of life.Together they discuss:Why community choirs provide more than just music—they create belongingHow community ensembles welcome singers of all backgrounds and experience levelsThe many hats community choir directors wear behind the scenesWhy community choirs should be viewed as a natural continuation of school and collegiate singingHow lifelong singing benefits individuals, communities, and the choral professionMatt's thoughtful reflection on Why We SingThis month's repertoire recommendations come directly from two National R&R Chairs.Philip Brown recommends:Known by Grace BeckerMatt Hill recommends:I Thank You God for Most This Amazing Day by Christopher AspaasBoth selections demonstrate meaningful text setting and are excellent additions to your repertoire library.This month's ACDA updates include:State and regional ACDA events happening throughout the summer and fallCongratulations to ACDA's newly elected Regional PresidentsAuditions for the 2027 National Honor Choirs—including the first-ever National Show Choir Honor Choir—open September 1Applications for the 2027 Student Conducting Masterclass open September 1Call for proposals for the 2027 National Conference Research Poster SessionSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.Have feedback, future guest ideas, or your own answer to Why We Sing? Email [email protected] the ACDA Podcast Listeners Facebook group to continue the conversation.LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA website: https://acda.orgChoral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalRepertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/Archive Collections: https://acda.org/archive-collectionsR&R Quick Pick: Known, by Grace Becker - https://graphitepublishing.com/product/known/and i thank You God for most this amazing day, by Christopher Aspaas - https://www.jwpepper.com/i-thank-you-god-for-most-this-amazing-day-11514213/p?srsltid=AfmBOor_Viimuker1Ml4uANyDH5LONunSxie6VZG2h5-e-wkfh6VkayGCalendar of Summer Events: https://airtable.com/appTAbtGdY1UraTyD/shr4OOKoWm1y1AMcJApply for honor choir, conducting masterclass, orposter sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conference

Episode #23 – June 2026Welcome to the June 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast! Steve begins this month’s episode with a reminder to reconnect with the reasons we first chose this profession and the impact we continue to have through music. Along the way, we celebrate the joy of singing, explore ACDA history, and continue our ongoing journey to answer one of choral music’s most enduring questions: Why do we sing?🎤 Why We Sing – Greg GilpinAs part of the Why Do We Sing? series, Steve sits down withcomposer, arranger, conductor, and educator Greg Gilpin, whose beloved anthem Why We Sing has inspired generations of singers around the world. Greg reflects on the origins of the piece, why its message continues to resonate with singers of all ages, and how his experiences workingwith young musicians have shaped his understanding of music’s purpose. The conversation explores singing not simply as performance, but as a meaningful human experience that helps us connect, communicate, and navigate life.🎵 R&R Quick PickThis month’s R&R Quick Pick features the obviouscompanion to our featured interview: Why We Sing by Greg Gilpin. Performed by the Northern Lights Chorale under the direction of Bruce Phelps, this enduring choral favorite continues to remind singers and audiences alike of the profound reasons we gather together in song.📚 Check It Out in the Choral JournalSteve highlights Kaitlin DeSpain’s article, “From Principleto Practice: Woman-to-Woman Mentorship in Choral Conducting,” from the June/July 2026 issue of Choral Journal. The article examines the role mentorship can play in supporting women conductors as they navigate leadership opportunities, professional networks, visibility, and career advancement. Steve discusses the article’s key findings, explores five characteristics of effective mentorship,and reflects on how mentorship can contribute to a stronger and more inclusive profession.🗂️ Into the Archives – ACDA Trivia ChallengeThis month’s Into the Archives segment takes a playful turnas Steve quizzes listeners on their ACDA knowledge.How well do you know the history of the organization? Testyourself with questions about ACDA’s founding, first president, first national conference, regional structure, and more. No prizes are awarded—but bragging rights are definitely on the line. 📢 Did You Know?This month’s ACDA updates include:• Applications for the 2027 National Honor Choirs openSeptember 1, including the first-ever National Show Choir Honor Choir• Applications open September 1 for the 2027 StudentConducting Masterclass• ACDA is seeking proposals for the 2027 National ConferenceResearch Poster Session• Researchers are currently seeking participants for anational study on the use of practice tracks in choral education🎧 Stay ConnectedSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.Have feedback, future guest ideas, or an answer to the question Why Do We Sing? Email Steve at [email protected] the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login  LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA website: https://acda.orgChoral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalRepertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/R&R Quick Pick: Why We Sing by Greg Gilpin- https://www.jwpepper.com/why-we-sing-3303113/p?srsltid=AfmBOoqY_dioqkcS7zoN8kS__Fqo2YjDeUYBEHcEAmJnXVjJDUvGKH8JCalendar of Summer Events: https://airtable.com/appTAbtGdY1UraTyD/shr4OOKoWm1y1AMcJApply for honor choir, conducting masterclass, orposter sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2027-national-conferenceRequest for Scores for National Conference: https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/national-repertoire-resources-call-for-scoresPractice Tracks in Choral Education: https://acda.org/resources/research-and-publications-committee

🎙️ ACDA Podcast – May 13, 2026Welcome to the May 2026 episode of the ACDA Podcast! Steve reflects on the difference between exhaustion and burnout following a massive spring concert featuring nearly 30 pieces and five student-composed world premieres. Building on last month’s conversation with Dr. Peter Steenblik, this episode explores how meaningful musical work can energize us even in seasons of fatigue—and how reconnecting with purpose can reshape the way we experience our profession.🎤 Why We Sing – Zach HaasAs part of the ongoing Why Do We Sing? series, Steve speaks with Zach Haas, a senior at Sandusky High School in Ohio, whose experience with physical tics has given him a uniquely personal understanding of music’s impact on the body and mind.🎵 R&R Quick PickThis month’s selection from the 2025 National R&R Virtual Reading Sessions comes from Philip Brown, R&R Chair for Senior High Choirs.Featured piece:Tuli Tuli arranged by Alex Gartner📚 Check It Out in the Choral JournalSteve welcomes Michael Gutierrez to discuss his article:“Fostering Connection: Fifteen Social-Emotional Learning Strategies for Building Community in the Choral Classroom” from the May 2026 issue of the Choral Journal.Topics include:Student Spotlight / “We Are Family” projectsStudent-led warm-ups and conductingWellness Days in the choir classroomAffirmation circlesCultural and family-centered choir eventsThe conversation explores how social-emotional learning can become an integrated part of rehearsal culture rather than an “extra” added onto teaching.🗂️ Into the Archives – The Origins of ACDA Honor ChoirsThis month’s archival segment explores the beginnings of ACDA Honor Choirs, which first appeared at ACDA conferences in 1983.Steve traces:how conferences evolved beyond conductor-centered events,why Honor Choirs became transformational experiences for young singers,the growth of children’s, collegiate, and regional honor choirs,and how these ensembles continue shaping repertoire, pedagogy, and the future of choral music.Plus: a brief tribute to the ancient art of mailing cassette tape auditions.📢 Did You Know?This month’s updates include:Applications for the International Conductors Exchange Program (ICEP) with New ZealandACDA’s new Music Industry Task ForceA research study on concert choir attire policies and gender diversityAdditional opportunities and announcements from the ACDA weekly newsletter🎧 Stay ConnectedSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, iHeartRadio, and more.Have thoughts about burnout, connection, or the question “Why do we sing?”Send your reflections or voice memos to [email protected] the podcast on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562971310243⁠Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acdapodcast/⁠Website: https://acda.org Join or log in to your ACDA profile: https://acda.org/login  LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:ACDA website: https://acda.orgChoral Journal: https://acda.org/publications/choral-journalRepertoire and Resources page: https://acda.org/repertoire/Virtual Reading Sessions: https://acda.org/archives/events/2025-national-rr-virtual-reading-sessionsR&R Quick Pick: Tuli Tulli, arr. Alex Gartner- https://sbmp.com/SR2.php?CatalogNumber=1477International Conductors Exchange Program: https://acda.org/resources/icep ACDA Music Industry Task Force: Call for Expressionsof Interest: https://choralnet.org/archives/acda-news/acda-music-industry-task-force-call-for-expressions-of-interestConcert Choir Attire Policies Research Request: https://acda.org/resources/research-and-publications-committee